California: A day at Sonoma wineries, without being the driver

Take an inexpensive whirl to Sonoma where a wine tour comes with the room. For a limited time, Sonoma Creek Inn is partnering with Platypus Wine Tours to include a day of winery-hopping at a nice price.

The inn with 16 rooms (which looks more motel than B&B) is close to downtown Sonoma at 239 Boyes Blvd. With this package, guests spend a day visiting four wineries, usually smaller boutique ones such as Paradise Ridge, Loxton and Benzinger Family Winery. The tour includes transportation and a guide with stops that last an hour to an hour and a half each. A picnic lunch is included.

Dates: The offer is good on weekends through March 9 and weekdays through March 28, based on availability.

Price: $229 per couple, based on double occupancy. It includes a room and a full-day wine tour. Stay an extra night or two for $79 midweek and $109 on weekends. Tasting costs ($10 to $15 per winery) and transportation to and from Sonoma are extra.

Tested: Wine tours typically cost $99 per person, so the savings with this package are good. I found availability at the advertised rate for random weekdays and weekends in March.